Alexys Dowling: Bringing the Soul of Classic Rock Into the Modern Age

By Manuela Bittencourt

From the moment Alexys Dowling first sang in third grade, music wasn’t just a pastime – it was an essential part of her identity. Years of choir and immersive experiences at the School of Rock gave her the freedom to explore her voice, perform regularly, and develop a deep love for the bold, emotional sounds of classic rock and ‘80s pop-rock. These early influences didn’t just shape her voice—they ignited a lifelong passion for turning every note into a story that resonates.

Growing up in the south suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, Alexys was surrounded by a rich musical environment. Her parents’ eclectic tastes exposed her to a variety of rock sub-genres, while her father’s love of the blues inspired her to bring soul into her own music. It was during her sophomore year of high school that Alexys’ truly realized her calling.  Performing in a weekly music competition in Chicago, she stepped onto the stage in front of hundreds of people and yet felt instantly at home –a spark that lit the fire for the musician she was destined to become.

Alexys performs under her given name, though friends and family affectionately call her “Lexxy.” She describes the two personas as complementary: Alexys is the artist she becomes on stage, while Lexxy is reserved for her inner circle. Who knows… maybe snagging a front-row spot earns you honorary ‘Lexxy’ status!

A Sound Both Nostalgic and Timeless

Alexys’s music moves effortlessly between eras and styles, blending the vocal-forward, melody-driven approach of ‘70s and ‘80s rock with a contemporary sensibility. Her goal is to evoke nostalgia, creating songs that feel like memories listeners didn’t know they had. Drawing inspiration from icons like Fleetwood Mac, Heart, and Donna Summer, she merges storytelling, expressive melodies, and guitar-driven arrangements into a signature sound only she could create.

“I want my music to feel lived-in, soulful, and instantly recognizable as mine,” Alexys explains. “There’s a raw, slightly retro edge to my sound, but it’s filtered through my experiences and perspective.”

Her creative process is intuitive, often beginning with guitar and inspiration drawn from beyond music – films, books, or even a powerful quote. Collaboration plays a key role, too; her songwriting partner Jennifer Phan helps transform ideas into cohesive, fully realized arrangements, striking a balance between vision and refinement.

Highs, Lows & Breakthroughs

Alexys’s journey as an artist has been marked by both triumph and challenge. Releasing her EP For The Better in March 2025 was a pivotal moment, allowing her to fully present herself as the songwriter she aspired to be. Yet, adversity struck in August when she was diagnosed with vocal nodules, requiring months of vocal and speech therapy. “It was a mental challenge rebuilding trust in my voice,” she says, “but I’m incredibly grateful for the process and how it’s shaped me.”

From early breakup songs to polished, guitar-driven releases, Alexys’s music has evolved into something bold and fully her own. A standout live experience came during a college performance with her band Double Take, where a nearly 12-minute rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Rhiannon” showcased the sheer power of musical connection and flow – moments she still recalls with chills.

Authenticity at the Core

While inspired by classic rock, Alexys is careful to distinguish admiration from imitation. “I see those artists as a foundation, not a blueprint,” she says. “I honor that era while creating something current and personal, reflecting who I am today.”

Offstage, Alexys finds grounding in yoga and working out, taking breaks from music to return to it refreshed and inspired. Before recording or performing, she goes through a tension-release routine, combining physical preparation with affirmations – a ritual that sets the tone for authentic, heartfelt performance. I’ve seen it firsthand—she doesn’t just perform, she takes over the whole room! She describes her music’s flavor as “sweet with a little salt, like peanut butter ice cream: comforting and fun, but with an edge.”

Looking Forward

Alexys is now preparing for her upcoming album, set to release in early March 2026. Expanding beyond the soft rock of her EP, this project embraces a wider array of ‘70s and ‘80s influences, with bigger melodies, guitar solos, and a sound that bridges nostalgia and modernity. Dream collaborations include icons like Stevie Nicks, Joss Stone, and Tedeschi Trucks Band, whose artistry has deeply shaped her own. And if her trajectory continues the way it’s been building, those dream collaborations may not stay dreams for long.

For Alexys, success is defined not by numbers but by connection. “If someone feels seen, inspired, or understood by my music, then I’ve done my job,” she explains. Longevity, authenticity, and creative freedom remain her guiding lights, keeping the fire alive as she follows music wherever it leads.

In one sentence, Alexys Dowling is: A nostalgic, soul-driven artist blending the raw emotion and storytelling of ‘70s and ‘80s rock with a modern voice that feels honest, fearless, and impossible to ignore.

Be sure to check out Alexys’s new single The Last Time That I Call, keep an eye out for her upcoming album dropping in early March, and follow her on Instagram @alexysdowling to stay up-to-date on all her latest music and career news.